My journey as a digital artist.
This journey has been filled with ups and downs, but ultimately it has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
I must first acknowledge that this story would not have been possible without my unwavering faith in God, my firm belief in myself, and the tremendous support of my family, friends, and the kind individuals I have met along the way.
I have always been drawn to art and illustration, but I never fully committed to pursuing it as a career. Instead, I chose a practical path in accounting, which paid the bills but left me feeling unfulfilled. Despite this, I continued to nurture my artistic side, doodling and drawing whenever I could. The positive feedback I received from others only fueled my desire to explore my talents further. The lesson I learned from this experience is that it’s never too late to pursue your passions, even if you’re not sure where they will lead. The journey is just as important as the destination.
As technology advanced, I began experimenting with digital art on my phone, using apps like Adobe Draw and Adobe Fresco. Then, I started to share my work online and gained a following on Instagram, where people began to commission me for my art. This taught me to share my work with the world and not fear imposter syndrome. It also showed me the importance of using the tools you have and continuing to learn new ones.
In 2016, I established a website to showcase and sell my artwork and joined the esteemed online art gallery Saatchi Art. While it took time to gain traction, I eventually reached a global audience and made sales. This taught me the importance of persistence, finding the right platforms to showcase my work, and seeking out other artists for guidance and inspiration. In 2017, I had the opportunity to display my work in front of friends and family at my first solo exhibition at a friend’s coffee shop, a memorable and enriching experience.
Around that same year, I was contacted by Micah Purnell, who heads a prominent art collective in Manchester, regarding my Inner Beauty artwork. He inquired if I would be interested in having it showcased on a large poster in Manchester City.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I drew even more and took inspiration from the city’s emptiness and calmness. This taught me the importance of patience and allowing inspiration to flow.
Eventually, a gallery approached me to showcase my art in a solo exhibition, an excellent opportunity to sell my art, meet people and have meaningful conversations with them. Again, this showed me the value of pursuing my passions and helping others.
Between October 2021 and January 2022, Saatchi Art commissioned over 100 artists from around the world to create artworks inspired by Vincent van Gogh for the “The Other Avatar” NFT project. A total of 2,523 pieces were created and sold in just 20 minutes. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to this project, and my pieces are now permanently available on the Ethereum blockchain.
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to display my art at international art fairs and collaborate with a prestigious gallery. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have brought me to where I am today, and I am excited to continue growing and creating with others in the future.
It’s 2023; I am thrilled to receive the unexpected honour of being selected by Saatchi Art as one of the 23 emerging artists to watch in 2023.
I am constantly expanding my skill set and using cutting-edge tools like Figma and Spline.
Summary:
- To truly excel in your work, it’s essential first to cultivate a deep love and appreciation for it.
- Don’t worry about defining or categorising your work; let yourself immerse in it and feel it fully.
- Use the tools and resources available to you, and continue to practice and learn new ones.
- Sharing your work with the world is an effective way to combat imposter syndrome and establish yourself as an artist.
- Please remember to be patient, as creativity is a gift that won’t be rushed.
- Be kind to yourself and others who may be struggling, and keep pushing forward — good things are always just around the corner.
- Don’t hesitate to offer assistance to others whenever you can.
